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“That’s how my wife and I fell in love,” Leon confessed, the atmosphere around the table immediately shifting.
“Cooking is a powerful tool,” I realized, pushing my emotions aside.
“How about we order?” Leon suggested, with enthusiasm.
Sighing with relief, I looked toward Bradly.Looks like I might’ve just saved this interview.
Reaching for my menu, I really didn’t have an appetite, but I knew whatever I picked would again sway their opinion of me. Glancing over the menu options, I spot the interesting expressions on both Leon and Ronnie’s faces as they did the same.
Taking advantage of the break in the conversation, the silence gave me a moment to think and recollect myself. Skimming over the menu for what felt like the hundredth time, our server returned.
“How’s everyone doing? Are we ready to order?”
Lowering my menu, I glanced across the table to find both Leon and Ronnie still searching the options.
Clearing my throat, I took the lead. “I’ll have the maple balsamic pork tenderloin with a side of roasted potatoes and asparagus,” I said, closing the menu.
Impressed with my order, I watched Leon close his menu as he also ordered the tenderloin. Seeing this as a good sign, some of the tension rolled away as my concentration shifted across the room.
Spotting Andre and Anne Marie on the other side, immediately my chest swelled with anticipation. Following their movements, they stopped at a table that sat Stephanie and her friends.
Watching the way she leaned into her drink, and the smile that broke across her lips as they approached created a buzz inside my chest. Happy Stephanie found a group of friends that brought her confidence out. Her happiness was truly a sight to witness. Bursting in laughter, her cheeks reddened with embarrassment at her loud display of excitement.
Clearing his throat, Bradly broke my concentration. Realizing there were other people around, I apologized. “I’m sorry, my thoughts are a little scrambled,” I admitted. “Must be the jet lag,” I chuckled, taking a long pull from the water bottle in front of me.
“It wouldn’t have anything to do with the girl sitting over there?” He asked, his head nodding towards Stephanie’s table.
Hearing the smirk in his tone, I could tell he was teasing me. “Is it that obvious?” I asked, clutching the back of my neck.
“You have that look,” Leon said, using his hands for emphasis. “The one that says you’re in love. I saw it on your face when you talked about your grandparents,” he explained, his Greek accent heavy.
“You know, if you don’t mind me saying it, you kind of remind me of my Opa,” I admitted.
“Oh? How so?” Leon’s brow rose.
“The way you read and understand people. My Opa always saw the best in people regardless of their flaws.” I lowered my eyes and thought about how I let Stephanie and I drift apart.
“I think I would have liked your grandfather.”
“He was a big fan. I’m sure he would have liked you too,” I agreed.
Waiting for a break in the conversation, my eyes drew back in Stephanie’s direction. When they did, I caught everyone at her table quickly turning away as if they’d just been scolded for tasting the food in my Oma’s kitchen before it was ready.
Once again, Stephanie’s eyes light up when she tries to contain her laughter, but she’s unable to stop the burst. Bringing her hand up to cover her mouth, she shook her head with embarrassment. Knocking back the rest of her pink drink, her table calmed.
???
Stepping up to our table, our server surveys our empty plates neatly stacked at the end of our table. Smiling with appreciation, she laid the checkbook on the table.
“Enjoy your night gentlemen,” she says, easily collecting the stack before walking away.
Reaching for the checkbook, the notion of either of them paying for this business dinner doesn’t sit right with me. “Dinner is on me, gentlemen,” I offer, as Leon and Ronnie exchange a look.
Stirring his coffee one last time, Leon placed the spoon on the saucer before tipping the rest back. “Well, Mr. Petersen. I think we’ve learned all we need to,” he says, removing the napkin from his lap. Placing it on the table beside his coffee, he moved to stand.
Following his lead, I stood to meet him.
“It would be an honor to us if you’d feature your Opa’s recipe and some of your own in our restaurant next Sunday night.”
